Dangers of Lithium-ion batteries
There is growing concern over the rise in fatalities, injuries and devastating fires from electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters).
Lithium-ion battery technology has many advantages in today’s world and is used not just for mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters but for many products, including mobile phones, e-cigarettes, electric vehicles, hoverboards and laptops,
However, the energy emitted when lithium-ion batteries fail can lead to devastating consequences and particularly intense fires in the home.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) has seen a growing number of fires caused by the failure of these batteries, particularly with e-bikes and e-scooters.
In 2022/23, on average, MFRS was called to an e-bike or e-scooter fire every two weeks. There were five cases of injury and, very sadly, two deaths directly related to fires in the home involving these batteries.
Magenta Living is helping MFRS raise awareness of the dangers of these batteries and also how to keep you, your family and neighbours safe.
It is important to charge mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk. Simple guidelines to follow include:
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only buy mobility scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, etc from known and trusted companies
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only use the charger supplied with the product, ensuring that it has a battery management system to automatically stop it from overcharging/overheating
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DO NOT to charge your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter indoors.
For more information on this, please visit the MFRS website here: Electric Bikes and Scooters | Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (merseyfire.gov.uk).
Make sure you and your family and neighbours are safe.
You can check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall by checking Electrical Safety First’s website (www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk).